Phuket Authorities Order Inquiry Into Alleged Checkpoint Extortion

Authorities in Phuket have launched an urgent inquiry following allegations that officials operating a late-night drug-testing checkpoint in Thalang demanded money from detainees in exchange for their release.

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit instructed the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and Phuket authorities to establish what happened, identify those involved and examine evidence related to the allegations.

Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom was also instructed to report on the progress of the investigation to the Interior Ministry.

The inquiry follows allegations made public on September 16 concerning a team operating a drug-testing checkpoint in Thalang district. The district administration has already begun examining the claims and was instructed to prepare a factual report.

A separate fact-finding committee has also been formed, with its findings due to be submitted to the provincial administration on September 17.

Worasit said complaints involving government officials must be investigated and that disciplinary or legal action should follow if wrongdoing is supported by evidence. At the same time, he stressed that the process must be fair to everyone involved and that allegations should not be treated as proven until the investigation is completed.

The investigation will also look beyond the original complaint. DOPA and provincial authorities have been instructed to examine other reports or information that could indicate similar incidents elsewhere in Phuket.

Allegations concern Bang Jo checkpoint

The investigation began after Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee publicised a complaint concerning a drug-testing checkpoint in the Bang Jo area of Thalang.

According to the complaint cited by the MP, the checkpoint was operated by a group described as a black-clad unit consisting of members of the Thalang District Volunteer Defence Corps, known as Or Sor.

The complainant alleged that people detained at the checkpoint were taken to a room in a building behind the Thalang District Office. Money was then allegedly demanded in exchange for their release.

The amounts reportedly ranged from 6,000 to 15,000 baht. The complaint claimed that payments were accepted only in cash and that the money was placed in a storage container.

One case cited by Chalermpong involved an alleged demand for 15,000 baht, which was reportedly negotiated down to 12,000 baht. The complainant said the person involved later went through court proceedings and was fined 2,000 baht.

Chalermpong said the difference between the alleged payment and the subsequent court fine raised questions about whether the larger amount had any legal basis. He described the alleged demand as extortion rather than a legitimate penalty.

The MP also referred to a separate allegation involving an elderly parent who reportedly had to arrange 6,000 baht to secure the release of a detained family member.

Chalermpong called on district and provincial authorities to determine how long the alleged conduct may have continued and whether supervisors were aware of the complaints.

Worasit said any official found to have committed wrongdoing should face appropriate action regardless of rank. However, he added that if the allegations are not substantiated, the findings should also be made public to protect those accused and maintain public confidence in the investigation.